
WARNING:Objects that are close to either corner of the
bumper or under the bumper, might not be seen on the screen
due to the limited coverage of the camera system.
WARNING:Backup as slow as possible since higher speeds
might limit your reaction time to stop the vehicle.
WARNING:Do not use the camera system with the liftgate
open.
If the back end of the vehicle is hit or damaged, then check with your
authorized dealer to have your rear video system checked for proper
coverage and operation.
Night time and dark area use
At night time or in dark areas, the reverse camera system relies on the
reverse lamp lighting to produce an image. Therefore it is necessary that
both reverse lamps are operating in order to get a clear image in the
dark. If either of the lamps are not operating, stop using the camera
system, at least in the dark, until the lamp(s) are replaced and
functioning.
Servicing
•If the image comes on while the vehicle is not in R (Reverse), have
the system inspected by your authorized dealer.
•If the image is not clear, then check if there is anything covering the
lens such as dirt, mud, ice, snow, etc. If the image is still not clear
after cleaning, have your system inspected by your authorized dealer.
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BLIND SPOT MIRRORS
Blind spot mirrors have an integrated convex spotter mirror built into
the upper outboard corner of the outside mirrors. They are designed to
assist the driver by increasing visibility along the side of the vehicle. For
more information on your side view mirrors, refer toExterior mirrorsin
theDriver Controlschapter.
Driving with blind spot mirrors
Before a lane change, check the
main mirror first, then check the
blind spot mirror. If no vehicles are
present in the blind spot mirror and
the traffic in the adjacent lane is at
a safe distance, signal that you are
going to change lanes. Glance over
your shoulder to verify traffic is
clear, and carefully change lanes.
When the approaching vehicle is at
a distance, its image is small and
near the inboard edge of the main
mirror. As the vehicle approaches,
the image becomes larger and
begins to move outboard across the
main mirror (1). As the vehicle
approaches its image will transition
from the main mirror and begin to
appear in the blind spot mirror (2).
As the vehicle leaves the blind spot
mirror it will transition to the driver’s peripheral field of view (3).
WARNING:Objects in the blind spot mirror are closer than they
appear.
3
2
1
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CONTROL TRAC FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4) OPERATION
(IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:For important information regarding safe operation
of this type of vehicle, seePreparing to drive your vehiclein
this chapter.
If equipped with the Control Trac4X4 System, and 4L (4X4
LOW) is selected while the vehicle is moving faster than 3 mph
(5 km/h), the system will not engage. This is normal and should
be no reason for concern. Before 4L (4X4 LOW) can be engaged,
the vehicle must be stopped or moving slower than 3 mph
(5 km/h) and the transmission placed in N (Neutral).
See theMessage centerin theInstrument Clustersection to complete
the 4L shift if either shift condition is not met.
Do not use 4H (4X4) or 4L (4X4 LOW) on dry, hard surfaced roads.
Doing so will produce excessive noise, increased tire wear and may
damage drive components. 4H (4X4) and 4L (4X4 LOW) are only
intended for consistently slippery or loose surfaces. Use of 4H (4X4) or
4L (4X4 LOW) on these surfaces may produce some noise (such as
occasional clunks) but will not damage drive components.
Your 4x4 features the heavy-duty Control Trac system which includes a
computer-operated transfer case. This unique system is interactive with
the road, continually monitoring and adjusting torque delivery to the
front and rear wheels to optimize vehicle control.
4WD indicator lights
The indicator lights illuminate in the message center in the
reconfigurable telltale (RTT) location under the following conditions.
Refer toWarning lights and chimesin theInstrument Clusterchapter.
•4X2- Momentarily illuminates
when 2H is selected.
•4X4 AUTO– Illuminates when
4X4 AUTO is selected.
4x2
4x4
AUTO
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•4X4– Illuminates when 4X4 is
selected.
•4X4 LOW- Illuminates when 4L
is selected.
•CHECK 4X4 (if equipped)-
Displays when a 4X4 fault is
present.
Note:When a 4x4 system fault is present, the system will typically
remain in whichever 4X4 mode was selected prior to the fault condition
occurring. It will not default to 4X2 mode in all circumstances. When this
warning is displayed, have your vehicle serviced by an authorized dealer.
Positions of the Control Trac system
The Control Tracsystem functions
in four modes:
•2H (4X2)delivers power to the
rear wheels only. The message
center will momentarily display
“4x2” when this mode is selected.
This is appropriate for normal
on-road driving on dry pavement
and provides best fuel economy.
•4A (4X4 AUTO)provides
electronic control four-wheel drive with power delivered to all four
wheels, as required, for increased traction. The message center will
display “4X4 AUTO” when this position is selected. This is appropriate
for all on-road driving conditions, such as dry road surfaces, wet
pavement, snow or gravel.
•4H (4X4)provides electronically locked four-wheel drive power to
front and rear wheels. The message center will display “4X4” when
this position is selected. This position is not recommended for use on
dry pavement. This position is only intended for severe winter or
off-road conditions, such as deep snow, ice or shallow sand.4x4
4x4
LOW
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•4L (4X4 LOW)provides electronically locked four-wheel drive when
extra power at reduced speeds is required. The message center will
display “4X4 LOW” when this position is selected. This position is not
recommended for use on dry pavement. Use this position for off-road
low-speed operation or when extra power is required, such as climbing
steep grades, going through deep sand or pulling a boat out of the
water.
Note:If your vehicle is equipped with AdvanceTracwith RSC,the
AdvanceTracwith RSCsystem will automatically turn off the stability
enhancement feature when you shift the Control Tracfour-wheel drive
system into 4L (4X4 LOW). The brake traction enhancement feature will
still be enabled.
The AdvanceTracwith RSCstability enhancement system can be
turned off manually by pressing the AdvanceTracwith RSCbutton
(refer toAdvanceTracwith Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) Stability
Enhancement Systemin this chapter) while operating in 2H, 4A or 4H
while driving in deep sand, very deep snow or more strenuous off-road
maneuvers. This will disable the engine management feature, allowing
the vehicle to maintain full power and enhanced momentum through the
obstacle.
WARNING:Utility and four-wheel drive vehicles arenot
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers in
these vehicles.
Note:The Control Tracselector knob should not be changed while the
rear wheels are slipping.
Shifting between modes
Shifting between 2H and 4A or 4H
Move the control from 2H to the 4A or 4H position at any forward speed
or at a stop. The message center may display4X4 SHIFT IN
PROGRESSduring the system shift. The message center will then
display 4X4 AUTO if 4A is selected or 4X4 if 4H is selected. The message
center will momentarily display 4X2 if 2H is selected.
Shifting between 4A and 4H
Move the control between 4A to 4H at a stop or while driving at any
speed. The message center will display 4X4 if 4H is selected and 4X4
Auto if 4A is selected.
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WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
If your vehicle gets stuck
If your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow it may be rocked out by
shifting between forward and reverse gears, stopping between shifts, in a
steady pattern. Press lightly on the accelerator in each gear.
Do not rock the vehicle if the engine is not at normal operating
temperature or damage to the transmission may occur.
Do not rock the vehicle for more than a few minutes or damage
to the transmission and tires may occur or the engine may
overheat.
WARNING:Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
the gearshift is latched in P (Park). Turn the ignition to the
LOCK position and remove the key whenever you leave your vehicle.
WARNING:If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake
warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be
working properly. See your authorized dealer.
WARNING:Do not spin the wheels at over 35 mph (56 km/h).
The tires may fail and injure a passenger or bystander.
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Emergency maneuvers
•In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp turn
must be made, remember to avoid “over-driving” your vehicle, i.e.,
turn the steering wheel only as rapidly and as far as required to avoid
the emergency. Excessive steering will result in less vehicle control,
not more. Additionally, smooth variations of the accelerator and/or
brake pedal pressure should be utilized if changes in vehicle speed are
called for. Avoid abrupt steering, acceleration or braking which could
result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover
and/or personal injury. Use all available road surface to return the
vehicle to a safe direction of travel.
•In the event of an emergency stop, avoid skidding the tires and do not
attempt any sharp steering wheel movements.
WARNING:Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility and four-wheel drive vehicles handle differently than
vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Utility and four-wheel drive
vehicles arenotdesigned for cornering at speeds as high as passenger
cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns, excessive
speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure to drive
cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of vehicle control,
vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
•If the vehicle goes from one type of surface to another (i.e., from
concrete to gravel) there will be a change in the way the vehicle
responds to a maneuver (steering, acceleration or braking). Again,
avoid these abrupt inputs.
Control Trac four–wheel drive system (if equipped)
When a four–wheel drive mode is selected, the Control Trac system uses
all four wheels to power the vehicle. This increases traction, enabling
you to drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional
two-wheel drive vehicle cannot.
Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On
four–wheel drive vehicles, the transfer case allows you to select
four–wheel drive when necessary. Information on transfer case operation
and shifting procedures can be found in this chapter. Information on
transfer case maintenance can be found in theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter. You should become thoroughly familiar with this
information before you operate your vehicle.
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WARNING:If you are driving in slippery conditions that require
tire chains or cables, then it is critical that you drive cautiously.
Keep speeds down, allow for longer stopping distances and avoid
aggressive steering to reduce the chances of a loss of vehicle control
which can lead to serious injury or death. If the rear end of the vehicle
slides while cornering, steer in the direction of the slide until you
regain control of the vehicle.
Maintenance and modifications
The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle have been designed
and tested to provide predictable performance whether loaded or empty
and durable load carrying capability. For this reason, Ford Motor
Company strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such
as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by
using replacement parts not equivalent to the original factory equipment.
Any modifications to a vehicle that raise the center of gravity can make
it more likely the vehicle will roll over as a result of a loss of control.
Ford Motor Company recommends that caution be used with any vehicle
equipped with a high load or device (such as ladder racks or pickup box
cover).
Failure to maintain your vehicle properly may void the warranty, increase
your repair cost, reduce vehicle performance and operational capabilities
and adversely affect driver and passenger safety. Frequent inspection of
vehicle chassis components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to
heavy off-road usage.
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